Most of the focus at New Providence High School is on the teachers, as they are the staff members students interact with most closely every day. However, less attention is given to other staff members, such as custodians and substitutes, who play essential roles in the school’s daily operations.

One such staff member is George Pharmakides, a substitute teacher and custodian at NPHS. Mr. Pharmakides has been working as a substitute teacher at the middle and high school for seven to eight years, and last year, he transitioned into a custodial position.

Pharmakides has a lot to handle with his job, often managing tasks that go unnoticed by students and other staff:  “Basically, it’s setting up for any kind of events—sports, entertainment, concerts, or shows—setting up the gym for sports events, both inside and outside, and also cleaning up the rooms. We [custodial staff] each have our own sections, so each one of us cleans a portion of the school.”

When asked about the experiences that led him to work in the school district, Mr. Pharmakides said:  “Just life experiences as I went along. I was in business for myself for about 30-35 years, then sold the business and started working part-time as a substitute, which eventually led to this full-time custodial position.”

This role is appreciated by many of the school’s staff members:  “Most of the staff appreciates what we do. They know what we do. We set up, we get things ready for the teachers and administration. So pretty much everybody appreciates it.”

Members of staff like Pharmakides, who work  hard to create good and clean learning environments and assist all other staff members in their work flow, deserve recognition and respect for their contribution.

So what’s his favorite part of this job that lasts long after students and staff leave the building for the day?

“Just finishing up at the end of the night, having everything done and satisfactory. Just completing the tasks that we’ve had.”